Every custom home has a story before construction ever begins. Long before the first wall goes up, homeowners are making decisions that shape how they'll live for years to come. Having the right guidance during that process can make all the difference.
An independent custom home dealer is an important part of that process. They help homeowners move their projects forward and serve as a trusted resource throughout the custom home building process.
Homeowners often hear the term without knowing exactly what it means. The responsibilities of an independent custom home dealer can vary, making it worth taking a closer look at the role.
What Does an Independent Custom Home Dealer Do?
A home dealer -- or as we call them, Barden Independent Dealer -- is an independently owned company that helps our customers make their next home a reality.
Working closely with a future homeowner, independent home dealers help guide each project from the earliest planning stages through construction. They act as the primary point of contact, helping homeowners stay informed and moving the project forward.
Not all independent dealers are the same though. They fall into two general categories: consultants/contract managers and builders
Independent Consultants/Contract Managers
This type of home dealer shares many of the same responsibilities as the custom home builder dealer type.
A dealer who works as a consultant/contract manager helps facilitate the entire home-building process. They don’t self-perform any of the actual construction. They often work with customers who are acting as their own general contractor.
With their expertise, they help clients figure out exactly what they want out of their next home and interface with our in-house drafting and design team to come up with plans. Working together, the dealer and client determine an initial floor plan and budget for the project. As the process moves forward, the independent consultant interfaces with our in-house drafting team to customize the final design and details of the home. Contract/project manager independent dealers also assist with:
- Site selection
- Project scope development
- Evaluating financing options
- Locating contractors and subcontractors
- Filing the necessary permits
In a sense, a contract/project manager dealership is a client’s partner in constructing a Barden home -- there to give guidance and provide the right resources for a homeowner to complete the project successfully.
Independent Builder
An independent Barden home builder shares many of the sam e responsibilities as a consultant or contract manager. The biggest difference is that they're typically responsible for building the home. While they may subcontract certain parts of the project, such as electrical or plumbing work, an independent builder quite literally puts hammer to nail.
For many homeowners, working with an independent builder means one company remains involved throughout the project. That continuity can make communication easier and help keep the project moving as planned.
|
Consultant / Contract Manager |
Independent Builder |
|
Helps homeowners plan and coordinate the project |
Helps homeowners plan the project and builds the home |
|
Works with homeowners acting as their own general contractor |
Typically manages the construction from start to finish |
|
Coordinates subcontractors and project details |
May subcontract specialized work, such as electrical or plumbing |
|
Does not perform the actual construction |
Responsible for constructing the home |
How the Independent Dealer Network Works
Though independent, Barden Independent Dealers don’t operate entirely on their own. As part of the Barden family, they’re also a member of the Barden Independent Dealer Network.
The network is as it sounds -- a collective of our Barden Independent Dealers. Barden Building Products manages the network and communicates directly with the independent dealers. Barden Building Products provides its independent dealers with resources, such as marketing materials, or information on best practices or our latest products.
Under the Barden name, independent dealers have instant brand recognition and can leverage it to attract new customers. What’s more, there’s strength in numbers.
The network is also a peer support system of sorts. Should a dealer encounter an issue or have questions about a process, there are other, experienced dealers that can help them find a solution.
What It Takes to Become an Independent Home Dealer
Independent home dealers play an important role in every custom home project. They help homeowners navigate the building process and keep projects moving forward.
Prospective dealers go through a review process before joining the network. The goal is to determine whether they're a good fit for the role.
If approved, each new dealer completes training before working with homeowners. That training introduces them to Barden's building system and how the company supports custom home projects.
Experience matters, but so does a commitment to helping homeowners through the custom home building process.
As we’ve seen time and time again, the most successful Barden Independent Dealers have:
- A dedicated office space and staff
- A deep knowledge of their local market
- Sales acumen
- Marketing support
- An established list of subcontractors
- Home building tools and equipment
The Value of an Independent Home Dealer
Every custom home starts with an idea, but bringing that idea to life takes the right people. Independent home dealers help homeowners navigate the building process and keep projects moving in the right direction from the very beginning.
The more you know about their role, the easier it is to understand how a custom home comes together. When the right team is in place, homeowners can move forward with greater confidence.
Thinking About Becoming an Independent Home Dealer?
Learn what it takes to join the Barden Independent Dealer Network in our free guide, Becoming a Barden Independent Dealer: A Blueprint for Success.
